L E T T E R S    T O    T H E    E D I T O R

Provokes thought

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech (Perspective; Sunday Tribune, August 17) was like that of a spiritual leader. He covered all major issues and emphasised on building a national character for every citizen of the country. He tried to win the confidence of other political parties while giving due regard to all previous Prime Ministers and state governments for their contribution to develop the country. The respect and concern he has for women is commendable and people should also change their mindset.

Sukhpal Singh, Chandigarh

From the heart

A formal news report covering the all-important event of unfurling of the flag by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his maiden speech was missing in The Tribune. Most national dailies carried it on the front page. Excerpts of the speech in “Perspective” did not amount to live coverage. It should have been reported prominently. But the damage was made up by Raj Chengappa’s detailed account in “Let’s heed this call from the heart” (Ground Zero; Sunday Tribune, August 17) of the event. But let us not expect everything from Modi alone. We all should do our bit.

WG CDR CL Sehgal (retd), Jalandhar

II

Apropos, the Prime Minister’s speech was simply brilliant and fired everyone’s imagination. His extempore stood out as an unprecedented example worthy of his exalted position — as the leader of the world’s largest democracy. He spelt out the national priorities for politicians, bureaucrats, corporate leaders, the youth and ordinary citizens — urging them to ensure national security, creation of a safe environment for women, speedier economic development. If we follow his dictum, “acche din” will be close at hand.

Govind Singh Khimta, Shimla

III

Modi’s speech reflects his quest to make India a better place. The BJP government needs a pragmatic approach with persuasive regulatory policies in agriculture to feed every mouth, national security, digital technologies, better education, security for women, overall hygiene and to ensure end to corruption. The revamp of the Planning Commission should not be just cosmetic, but also be able to create employment and become proficient to utilise manpower. It needs to reduce the growing disparity between the rich and poor.

Dr Sanjiv Gupta, Australia

Defence first

Reference “In defence tech India’s dil is still firangi” by Raj Chengappa (Ground Zero, August 10), the debate on whether to import defence equipment or build it indigenously is well hammered in many forums, yet we do the inevitable — import. It has been experienced that the quality and efficiency of imported equipment under extreme battle and weather conditions is better. Sometimes, importing works out cheaper than spending huge sums of money on research and development. Though R and D should be encouraged, it should not be so at the cost of defence preparedness.

Col Pritpal Singh Dhillon, Chandigarh